By: ZOHMANGAIHI RALTE
Customary laws, deeply ingrained in tradition and cultural practices, significantly influence societal norms, governance, and gender dynamics. This paper delves into the nexus of customary laws and gender roles, underscoring how these laws both contribute to gender disparities and act as cornerstones of social unity. In Mizo society, while customary laws safeguard cultural heritage, they also fortify patriarchal systems, curtailing women’s rights regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, and single motherhood. Nonetheless, the Mizo community has shown unity, with less stigmatization of unwed mothers than in other regions of India. Women’s organizations, such as the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), have encountered opposition in their efforts to amend these laws, highlighting the difficulty of reconciling tradition with gender equality. This discussion scrutinizes the impact of customary laws on gender disparities and the persistent endeavors to foster justice and equality in dynamic legal frameworks, particularly as societies grapple with modernity and globalization.
